Digital Her is an award winning movement inspiring girls to strive and supporting women to thrive in the digital and tech industry in Greater Manchester and beyond.
Tell me about your journey into working in the digital and tech industry.
I started working in the digital and tech industry when I joined Skipton Building Society. I managed some projects which involved modifying software, creating new infrastructures, and migrating data. Then, when I decided to change position, I was faced with the choice of which sector I wanted to move to. I decided that it would be good for me to delve more into the technical side of IT and software development as there is a lot of new stuff happening all the time and lots to learn.
What challenges have you found along the way? And how have you overcome them?
For me, the challenge is to learn the jargon and translate it into something that I can relate to as I am not trained either as a software developer or as an IT specialist. I enjoy the challenge as it allows me to ask many questions, enabling me to translate jargon into something meaningful for stakeholders who do not understand IT or software development.
What is your favourite thing about being part of the industry?
There is always something new to learn about and it evolves very fast.
Why do you think it’s important, especially within the digital and tech industry, that programmes such as Digital Her support the future generation?
There are not enough women in the industry. The diversity of thinking and also the design and digital experiences should consider different gender, impairments, and needs from all types of people, and there is nothing better when they are built by various and diverse people. Everyone can get involved at any age and at any level of technicality and creativity.
What could the industry do better to encourage and support women to join the sector and stay within the sector?
Visit primary and secondary schools to show teachers and students that there is no gender associated with a job.